Interfacing DNA oligonucleotides and DNA aptamerswith gold nanoparticles has generated numerous functional hybrid materials for sensing, self-assembly and drug delivery applications. Our lab has been working in this area for 15 years. In this article, the current un-derstanding of the adsorption of DNA to gold nanoparticles is summarized, and related applicationsin bioconjugation of DNA to gold surfaceis described. In addition, problems of using gold nanoparticles to signaling aptamer binding arediscussed. Finally, re-selection of aptamers for previously reported targets using the library-immobilization method is reviewed.